Method of making metal containers



Feb. 28, 1933 e. A. ROBINSON METHOD OF MAKING METAL CONTAINERS Filed March 31. 1932 Patented Feb. 28, 1933 UNITED STATES GILBERT ALAN nonrnson, or SUTTON-ON--I-IULL, nnerilinn mn'rnon or MAKING METAL, oonrelnn'ns This invention relates to rectangular pyramid-topped or rectangular flat-topped cans, canlsters and like metal containersof the type wherein the upper part or top of the body affords a reduced outlet or neck.

' It has previously been proposed to produce the domed upper portion or neck and the base of a sheet metal bottle or receptacle by forming overlapping corrugations at the end of a tubular body, and also to produce bodies of sheet-metal barrels or like vessels by a stamping or pressing operation resulting in the formation of outwardly projecting wings P which are subsequently flattened against and Welded or otherwise secured to the exterior surface of the vessel.

According to the invention, the pyramidal or fiat top and the wall of the body are made integral by forming from one or more blanks each constituting a portion of the wall and the top, a tubular body which is brought to the desired shape by a series of longitudinal pleats or folds being made therein at one end to secure the desired pyramid or fiat form, and said pleats or folds are pressed into contact with the inner or outer face of the pyramidal or flat top portion so formed. In an embodiment of the invention, a sheet metal blank is formed into a tube of the required rectangular cross section for the body of the can, canister or the like and the adjacent edges seamed or otherwise secured together, whereupon that end of the tubular blank which is to constitute the pyramidal or flat upper part or top of the can body is tapered or flattened by forming therein a series of longitudinal pleats or folds appropriately spaced apart and each increasing in width toward that edge which is to constitute the outlet, the folds or pleats being fla tened against the inner or outer face of the pyramidal or flat top portion so formed. The reduced outlet may be fitted with the usual pouring spout or neck rim, and a ban dle may be secured to the tapered or flattened upper part of the can body, whilst a bottom would be secured .on the opposite end of the body in the usual manner. 7

In order that the invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into effect,

thesame willdnowfjbe 111157 with jreference to ,andflby theaid ofgthfe em odnnents-illustrated byway of example: in the accompanying drawing, wherein "Figure 1 1s a perspective view of theupper portion of a rectangular,pyrgmidn p W y Figure ,2 gisg s cti p an v e JOf a squarepyramid-topped oan, the @9591}? ing, taken a r ely h buahlthe pyramid s r e 'sr iv vi we t ur- J per portion ofq l Square, vflattoppedftin, the top being affordedbyl'folding orj plea-ting the blank Referring to rectangular can 1 is madehy forming a tube Figure loftlie drawing, {the of rectangular cross section fromia blank,

and then forming the upper pyramid part 2 by folding'inwardly one end of the rectan-' gular tube at its corners so asto alford four double and inwardly directed triangular flaps or wings 3. This has the effect of drawing in the intermediate taper portions at the endof the rectangular tube to attain l the desired pyramid shape, whereupon the flaps or wings 3 are flattened against the inner faces of the pyramid top, as shown,

and may be secured thereto by soldering or welding (see Figure 2). A pouring spout or neck 4 is then secured in position and a bottom (not shown) is secured to the opposite end of the body to complete the can. Referring to Figure 3 of the drawing the flat top 7 is made by folding or pleating the end of a tubular body part of square section formed from a blank inwardly at the corners to afiord inwardly directed flaps 3 which are then pressed into contact with the inner face or underside of the intermediate portions and soldered in position. A square' pouring spout or neck: 4 is then applied around the restricted outlet afiorded at the centre of the top.

Instead of single pleats .or foldsas above described, multiple pleats or folds may be formed to obtain the desired flat or pyramid top. Thus each pleat or fold at the corners may be adapted to alford two flaps which may be pressed into contact with the adjacent inner or outer faces of the top and soldered thereto one at each side of the pleat or fold.

Although described asmade from a single 5 blank it is obvious that two or more blanks may be employed, each blank constituting a portion of-the wallland the top.

Any corners or edges of the container may be grooved or corrugated to afford additional strength or rigidity.

I claim 1. The method of making a metal contain- 7 er from a blank which consists in forming a hollow body from the blank, -folding the upper portion of the body at spaced points inwardly to provide aninclined top and four inwardly extending triangular flaps, flattening "the flaps against the inner face of the top, securing the-flaps'to thetop andinserting a spout at the reduced end opening in the mouth of thetop.

2. Themethod ofmaking a metal container from a blank which consists in forming ;a 'qua'vdiilateral body from the blank, told ingthe upper portion of the body atits corners inwardly to provide a pyramidalftop and four double. and inwardly extending triangular flaps, flattening the flaps against the inner faces of the pyramidal top, and inserting a spout in the reduced end opening formed atftheinou'th of the top.

' GILBERT ALAN ROBINS 

